June 2012
By Jennifer LeClaire
John Portman launched his career with a two-man architectural practice. Today, the founder and chairman of Portman Holdings runs an international organization that spans the fields of architecture, development and trade marts. The Portman organization has developed over 18 million square feet in Downtown Atlanta and spurred the city’s evolution into a premier convention location.
Altogether, Portman Holdings has developed about 50 million square feet of real estate across three continents, costing $6 billion at the time they were constructed.
Most of his projects have had a socioeconomic impact on the revitalization of the urban landscape in which they were located. Portman Holdings includes John Portman & Associates, AmericasMart and Atlanta Decorative Arts Center.
